View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Zeegwun?

2. Who intrudes on the community dance?

3. What does Andeg bring to Omakayas?

4. How does the family react to the person in #140 when the fire is put out?

5. What is Deyday's favorite food?

Short Essay Questions

1. What skill does Ten Snow have and what item does she make for her husband Fishtail?

2. What is in Nokomis' bundle that she says speaks to her?

3. What does Nokomis tell Omakayas about the voices they hear and about what Omakayas' path in life is going to be?

4. What does Deydey do with the shop owner to earn a bit of money and some food for the family?

5. Describe Omakayas' preparation and attempts at her spiritual quest?

6. Why is Nokomis' story of a little muskrat especially pertinent for Omakayas?

7. What does Omakayas witness as she comes to after being knocked unconscious by Tallow's dog?

8. How does Omakayas help pinch when he burns himself with boiling syrup?

9. How does Ten Snow help Omakayas get started in beadwork and what does Omakayas make?

10. What is Omakayas' experience with the bear cubs when she is off on her own?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the significance of the book's title. What does the author mean by calling it simply THE BIRCHBARK HOUSE. What is she trying to emphasize with this emphatic style? Suggest three alternate titles for this book with supporting rationale for each one.

Essay Topic 2

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of pride. Identify at least two instances about pride in the book and then cite examples to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Create a brief character study of Mama. What did she look like? What were her positive personality traits? What were her dreams and fears? What was most valuable to her in her world?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,054 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample